University retains 'five stars plus'

The University of Otago has retained its ''five stars plus'' rating in the QS Stars university quality ratings.

Otago is one of 200 universities ranked in the system, and first attained the five stars plus rating - the highest possible - in 2016.

Vice-chancellor Harlene Hayne told a university council meeting yesterday it was a tremendous achievement.

Otago received the maximum possible five stars for teaching, graduate employability, research, internationalisation, facilities, innovation and inclusiveness, and a subject-specific five stars rating for life sciences and medicine.

Prof Hayne said only 11 universities held a five stars plus rating.

The rankings are useful for promoting Otago as a destination for foreign students.

Prof Hayne also noted the announcement last week that Otago alumnus Graham Hart had given $10million towards developing a university-led $28.2 million dental teaching facility in South Auckland.